Merv Lindsay said he’ll forever have fond memories of his one year at Kansas University.

“I’ll never forget going to the Final Four and winning the conference championship,” Lindsay said Monday in announcing his plans to transfer to a yet-to-be-determined school at semester’s end.

“I was fortunate to learn under a great coach in coach (Bill) Self and his staff,” the 6-foot-7, 195-pounder from Moreno Valley, Calif., added in a phone conversation with the Journal-World. “Being a part of the great tradition here and seeing what Kansas basketball is all about is something I will always be thankful for. I love my coaches. I love all the Kansas fans.

“I don’t want anybody to forget about the team or me this year. It isn’t about me. It’s about Kansas. That’s what I’m all about.”

Lindsay met with Self on Thursday to discuss his future. During that 20-minute session, Lindsay requested his release to transfer to a school where he’d be able to play more. He averaged just 2.2 minutes a game in 12 games this past season, scoring 11 points.

“That was my goal when I first came here, and it’s my goal now, to be an impact player,” said Lindsay, who said he had not yet come up with a list of possible schools. “I’ll see if I can accomplish that goal.”

He said he had not spoken with Danny Manning or Barry Hinson — former KU staff members now head coaches at Tulsa and Southern Illinois respectively.

Of Lindsay, KU coach Self said: “Merv and I met last week about his situation and the opportunities he has here. He has decided it is in his best interest to look elsewhere to have an opportunity for more playing time.

“Merv is not a good young man, he is a terrific young man,” Self added. “He has done well in school and he has impacted our program on the practice court and in the locker room in a very positive way. We’re going to do everything we can to support and assist him. He’s leaving here with a great taste in his mouth as we are with him. At this time he is at square one (in considering destinations) and we’re just looking into it, but he has been granted his release.”

Lindsay said he leaves with the idea of returning some day.

“I hope I can come back and enjoy a game and go out to eat in Lawrence, something like that,” he said.